PHILIPPINES: Most repatriated overseas Filipino workers still want to find jobs abroad, even as the government expands reintegration services for those who returned from the conflict-hit Middle East.
Overseas Workers Welfare Administration Administrator Patricia Yvonne Caunan said a recent OWWA survey showed that close to 70 percent of surveyed repatriated Filipinos were still looking for overseas employment.
Only around 30 percent said they intend to work or start a business in the Philippines.
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Why Many OFWs Still Look Overseas
For many OFWs, the reason is practical. Jobs abroad often offer higher pay compared to many local opportunities.
Many workers also return home with financial responsibilities waiting for them. These may include family needs, debts, education expenses, housing payments, or medical costs.
Because of this, reintegration is not just about asking OFWs to stay in the Philippines. It must also give them strong income options that can compete with what they can earn abroad.
Who Was Covered by the OWWA Survey?
The OWWA survey covered almost 90 percent of the 10,129 Filipinos repatriated by the Department of Migrant Workers and OWWA as of May 24, 2026.
Of this number, 7,988 were OFWs. The rest included 1,779 dependents and 362 tourists or overseas Filipinos.
The figures show that the issue affects thousands of families, not only individual workers.
What Support Is Being Offered?
Caunan said OWWA is working with several government agencies to make reintegration more useful and attractive.
These include skills training from the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority, or TESDA, and a P2-billion micro loan fund from the Department of Trade and Industry’s Small Business Corporation.
OWWA is also working with the Commission on Higher Education to make the Expanded Tertiary Education Equivalency and Accreditation Program, or ETEEAP, available to OFWs. This program may help workers earn degrees by crediting their work experience.
Help for Business, Farming, and Technology
OWWA also has partnerships with the Department of Agriculture and the Department of Science and Technology.
These partnerships are meant to support OFWs who want to start agribusinesses or improve their businesses using new technology.
To bring these services closer to workers, OWWA and partner agencies joined the Department of Migrant Workers’ National Reintegration Network Caravan.
